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Staging of malignant cutaneous wounds: a pilot study
M E Haisfield-Wolfe1, L M Baxendale-Cox
1Oncology Nursing Department, Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Baltimore, MD.
Oncology Nursing Forum
|July 27, 1999
Summary
A new staging system for malignant cutaneous wounds (MCWs) is feasible, aiding nurses in assessment and management. Digital imaging accurately captures wound characteristics, improving patient care for these complex conditions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Malignant cutaneous wounds (MCWs) present unique challenges in assessment and management.
- Standardized methods for characterizing MCWs are lacking.
- Digital imaging offers potential for objective wound assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the appearance of malignant cutaneous wounds (MCWs).
- To evaluate the effectiveness of digital imagery in quantifying wound characteristics.
- To determine the feasibility of a staging system for MCWs.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive pilot study was conducted with 13 subjects at a comprehensive cancer center.
- Wounds were assessed using the Hopkins Wound Assessment Tool (HWAT) and digital photography.
- An MCW staging system was developed based on wound characteristics and expert consensus.
- Digital and visual assessments were compared for consistency.
Main Results:
- Four distinct stages of MCW progression were identified.
- Digital imaging demonstrated consistency in measuring wound size, color, and hydration.
- The developed MCW staging system was found to be feasible.
Conclusions:
- A feasible staging system for malignant cutaneous wounds (MCWs) can guide assessment and management.
- Wound characteristics such as color, hydration, nodules, drainage, pain, odor, and tunneling are key indicators of stage.
- Digital assessment shows promise for accurate wound quantification, potentially improving nursing care.
- Further research is needed to validate the MCW staging system and digital assessment protocol.